The field at Governor Park was doused with 24 gallons of gasoline before a game against Amity on Saturday, April 6, then set on fire in an attempt to dry the playing surface after rain had fallen in the area.

Rather than dry the field, the fire did an estimated $50,000 in damages and the surface had to be excavated and replaced with fresh soil.

In response to the incident, school officials suspended three coaches and noted that no students were involved in the fiery situation.

In a letter to parents following the incident, Schools Superintendent William Collins said, “at this point, we do not believe the coaching staff was directly involved, however, out of an abundance of caution, the three varsity coaches have been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the police investigation.”

After five days, Fabbri and his assistants were cleared to return to their team and were back on the field. They’ll be back in the dugout on Wednesday when Ridgefield faces off against Ludlowe at home.